POLICE in Gloucestershire have been slammed after announcing it has stopped accepting applications for firearms licencing. 

Gloucestershire Constabulary has announced that it will no longer be accepting new firearm licencing applications due to "unexpected resourcing issues" and people currently awaiting licences could have to wait for two years. 

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has called the decision outrageous, unlawful and said it will negatively impact the rural economy.

BASC has asked members to write to their MP to highlight the issue. 

North Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has expressed his concerned about the issue and is in talks with the force to see how the issue can be resolved.

A Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesperson said: "We have made the difficult decision to temporarily stop accepting new grant applications for firearm, shotgun, dealers or explosive certificates.

"This is due to sudden and unexpected resourcing challenges and an associated rise in demand.   

"Some of this demand is as a result of more stringent statutory requirements for new grant applications following the inquest into the tragic Plymouth shootings which took place in 2021.

"We are working to urgently increase resourcing in the Firearms Licensing department to meet demand and reduce the backlog of new grant applications. 

"That resource will take time to bring into the department and train in the specialisms needed to safely perform the role.

"Public safety is the paramount concern within the department and it is at the heart of all decision making.

"We are aware of the suggestion that this step is unlawful, and we are taking appropriate legal advice on this.

"Should that affect our position, we will communicate this as soon as possible.

"Our focus at this time is on processing licence renewals in order to keep current holders in possession of their firearms and conducting firearms suitability reviews.

"It is our intention to revert the decision to stop accepting new grant applications as soon as possible, but it should be noted that even once applications reopen, there will be continuing delays due to the pre-existing backlogs."

The BASC say that the change will not only affect new gun owners but the shooting supply chain as well.

BASC’s director of firearms, Bill Harriman, said: “This is not only an outrageous decision but an unlawful one too; the police have a legal duty to process applications and cannot pick and choose as they like.

“This lack of customer service could have serious consequence for all shooting sports as it prevents newcomers coming into shooting as they can’t get a certificate.

"It also affects the shooting retail supply chain.

"Many rural businesses are struggling to stay afloat as it is, they don’t need the extra pressure.”

Rachel Lowe, a gunowner from Blockley, said: "The effective ban on firearms licencing is going to wreck the local economy. 

"Shooting more or less stopped during the pandemic and it's only just getting back on its feet. 

"I think this is going to devastate a lot of shooting clubs."

Since being alerted to the situation Clifton-Brown has met with the chief constable to discuss the topic.

Clifton-Brown said: “I was alerted to issues with processing new firearm and shotgun certificates last week by BASC and had a scheduled meeting with the Chief Constable last Friday (November 8), at which I raised this topic.

"I understand that the constabulary are facing sudden personnel shortages, with one of three firearms officers leaving the force and another one off sick.

"They are prioritising licence renewals first, and exceptions are being made for new firearm applications for work or elite sport shooting.

"As Chairman of the APPG on Shooting and Conservation, I do fully understand the inconvenience that these delays cause, and it’s even worse because the costs of renewing these certificates are about to go up considerably.

"I have requested a meeting with the assistant chief constable, who oversees Gloucestershire Police’s licensing department, and I will undertake to report back after that meeting has taken place.”